KARACHI:
According to media reports, the government has increased the pay of government officers by 25%. It seems that the decision has been made in haste to appease the protesters. The government should have instead set up a pay commission to properly assess the amount of raise needed. Such a commission should have been tasked with considering not only the serving employees but also the pensioners. In addition, the concerned authorities need to pay special attention to lower cadre employees who bear the brunt of inflation the most. Since high-ranking officers already enjoy better salaries and perks, they are less affected by inflation as compared to lower-ranking employees, who are forced to cope with meager salaries. The increase therefore benefits those at the helm much more, which is why it has had the opposite effect as intended. Worst are the poor pensioners, who have been left out yet again. We must support the weak that are at the mercy of a deteriorating economy, instead of strengthening and pleasing those who already are at the top of the food chain.
Raja Shafaatullah
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, March 11th, 2021.
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